A look back at the biggest stories making headlines in 2021
It's been a bumper year, here's a recap of all that has happened
Last updated 27th May 2022
As we reach the end of the year, it's time to look back at what got the nation talking the most during 2021.
From coronavirus restrictions to explosive interviews and sports success, 2021 has been a year full of surprises.
So, to help you remember what a bumper year 2021 has been, we've compiled a list of all the major stories to have hit the headlines in the past year.
What were the biggest stories in 2021?
Boris Johnson announces national lockdown
After a troubled Christmas period, Boris Johnson started the year by giving a televised address to the nation instructing everyone to "stay at home" for a third time. By this date, nearly 70,000 cases were diagnosed daily in the UK, with much of the England in lockdown-style Tier 4. During his speech, he noted that the country had to band together before vaccines could provide proper protection. He encouraged people to join together in a national effort to fight the virus, concluding with the by now well-known strap line: "stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives".
Joe Biden elected President
January saw the inauguration of Joe Biden as the President of America. The 78-year-old triumphed over the incumbent Donald Trump, after a contentious election campaign. Following Biden's victory, pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol Building.
The Jackie Weaver saga
In February 2021, a meeting of Handforth Parish Council in Cheshire went viral after a mediator - Jackie Weaver - removed one of the councillors from the Zoom. The clip was seen millions of times and catapulted both Weaver and the council into the public eye. At the end of the meeting, Jackie Weaver asked if people could refer to her as Britney Spears.
Prince Harry and Megan leave the Royal Family
Following a turbulent relationship with the media, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be stepping down from royal duties, choosing to move to the USA to raise their child. After the couple stopped being working members of the Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess gave an explosive interview with American broadcaster Oprah Winfrey.
Piers Morgan leaves Good Morning Britain
Renowned presenter and columnist Piers Morgan walked off the set of Good Morning Britain in March, following the broadcast of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Morgan stated he "didn't believe a word" about Meghan's experience with the Royal Family, prompting over 41,000 complaints to regulator Ofcom. The broadcaster soon quit his job.
Duke of Edinburgh dies
In April, the Queen's husband Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99. The Duke of Edinburgh was two months from celebrating his 100th birthday. Philip was the longest serving royal consort in British history, married to Queen Elizabeth for over 70 years.
Matt Hancock resigns as Health Secretary
Despite leading the country through the height of the pandemic, Matt Hancock was forced to resign from his post in June after footage emerged of him breaking social distancing measures. In the video, the Health Secretary was seen kissing his aide Gina Coldangelo. Speaking about his resignation in a statement, Mr Hancock said he "had let people down" and he was "very sorry". The position of Health Secretary was then filled by Sajid Javid.
England reach the Euro 2020 final
The European Football Championships were held all across Europe after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. England's team, against all odds, made it to the final for the first time at Wembley Stadium. The final against Italy was one of the most watched events in 2021, with over 12 million people watching. At the end of extra time, England and Italy were tied 1-1. England lost to Italy on penalties, resulting a wave of racist abuse against players of colour.
All legal COVID restrictions lifted in England
After almost 16 months under restrictions, England became the first country in the UK to remove all restrictions on social gatherings following the COVID-19 pandemic on July 19th. Dubbed 'Freedom Day', mass gatherings could take place again with no curfew. The wearing of face coverings also became a voluntary choice following the lifting of restrictions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would soon follow in easing all remaining limits of socialising.
Sarah Everard case
While making her way home, Sarah Everard was abducted and murdered by an off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens. The incident left thousands of women feeling unsafe on the streets. Vigils and protests took place nationwide to voice their discontent with the police. Following an extensive trial, Couzens was given a whole-life sentence in September.
Sir David Amess killed
In October, Conservative MP for Southend David Amess was stabbed multiple times while at a constituency surgery in a church in Leigh-on-Sea. His death sparked an increase in security for MPs and an inquest into his death is ongoing. To commemorate his service to the area, after years of campaigning, Southend was made a city in Amess' honour.
Glasgow's COP 26 Convention
November saw the world's attention turn to Glasgow as the COP Climate Conference raced to reduce the drastic effects of global warming. For two weeks, world leaders debated and negotiated a deal that would keep temperatures rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. After some last minute changes to the phasing down of coal use, the deal was signed by delegates from across the world.
Omicron variant discovered
At the end of November, a new strain of the coronavirus emerged from southern Africa. Named the Omicron variant, symptoms were noted to be milder but was more transmissible than the Delta variant that had dominated cases earlier in the year. As a result, many countries closed their borders again, with the UK reinstating the mandatory use of face masks in shops and public transport.
Christmas Party scandals
With Christmas right around the corner and many British families to have as close to a 'normal' Christmas celebration, several leaks exposed that government officials had held Christmas gatherings while the public was being warned against socialising. The resulting scandal saw the resignation of some of the Prime Minister's closest advisors.
Christmas 2021 goes ahead - with restrictions afterwards
With cases of the Omicron variant rising to unprecedented levels, the devolved governments across the UK agreed to take action against the variant in the aftermath of Christmas. In England, the length of time to self-isolate was reduced from ten days to seven. Wales announced an introduction to strict new measures on the morning of Boxing Day, while Scotland cancelled its world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
Now check out what we know is happening in 2022 with our look at the big stories of 2022.
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